Leaf Hospitality bolsters senior leadership team

Leaf Hospitality has announced two senior leadership appointments of a new chief operating officer and group people and culture manager, as the group expands its hotel management platform. 

Ben Underwood, who has been promoted to chief operating officer, joined the business in 2025 as group operations director. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing daily management, including operational, people and commercial functions. 

Meanwhile, Emma Hamilton-Hewitt has been appointed group people and culture manager, a position reflecting her work across talent development, engagement and inclusion since joining in 2018. 

The new promotions will help managing director and founder Richard Farrar focus on strategic growth and development. 

Leaf Hospitality is currently in the process of growing its portfolio, with a 144-bedroom hotel under the Hampton by Hilton brand expected to open in Wigan in 2027. This development forms part of the wider Fettlers regeneration scheme. 

Farrar said: “Ben has made a strong contribution since joining, and this promotion reflects both his impact to date and the role he will continue to play as we move forward.

“Emma has played an important role in shaping our culture and supporting the development of our teams. This appointment reflects both her contribution and the importance of the people and culture agenda within the business.”